Concealable Gun Holster

ABSTRACT

A concealable handgun holster having a molded cavity with a raised outer surface to resemble a popular cell phone when stowed within a garment pocket. The holster may include a stabilizer which is preferably detachable to allow the holster to be configured for right-handed use and left-handed use.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to concealable holsters for handguns.Specifically, the invention relates to a holster carried within a user'spocket, such as pants, jacket or the like, which disguises the presenceof the handgun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As the gun laws of the United States and its territories begin to catchup with the 21^(st) century, more and more state and local governmentsare adopting “concealed carry” as an option for its citizens. All statesalready have laws which permit concealed carry of a handgun by qualifiedindividuals. However, concealed carry is not without its drawbacks.

Due to having a very recognizable outline, the presence of a handgunwithin one's coat or pants pocket can be easily identified in public.While lawful and often prudent, in some settings the identification of afirearm can lead to public uneasiness and, in some cases, public panic.Further, the inability to properly conceal a weapon by law enforcementpersonnel may tip-off criminals to police presence, leading suchcriminals to seek less protected locations for their illegal activity.The identification of a handgun being lawfully conceal carried by anindividual may also make them a target for criminals.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problemsin the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled inthe art. Clearly, for at least the above reasons, the need to disguise aconcealed carry weapon, such as a handgun, is of great importance. Thepresent invention solves these and other problems by providing a handgunholster which is not only easy to carry in a garment pocket, but alsomasks the presence of the holster and gun to the public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein an improved handgun holster which avoids thedisadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural andoperating advantages.

Generally speaking, the disclosed concealable handgun holster is madefor carrying in a pocket of a garment, such as pants, shorts, coat, orthe like. The holster comprises first and second panels connectedtogether in a spaced relationship by a sidewall to form a cavity havinga volume sufficient for containment of at least a substantial portion ofa handgun therein, and a raised surface on the first panel, the raisedsurface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone.When the holster is placed in the garment pocket the raised surfacecreates a bulge in the garment resembling a cell phone to disguise theholster.

In an embodiment of the concealable handgun holster, the cavity volumeis less than the size of a handgun for which it is designed to contain.This allows the holster to maintain a lightweight as well as break upthe distinct outline of the handgun.

Further, in another embodiment, a stabilizer may be connected to anexterior of the compartment to stabilize the holster within a garmentpocket. The stabilizer may be connected proximate a first area of thesidewall of the cavity for right-handed use or proximate a second areaof the sidewall for left-handed use. Alternately, the stabilizer isdetachably connectable proximate one of either area of the sidewall ofthe cavity to provide removal of the stabilizer and alteration of theholster between left-handed and right-handed use.

In an embodiment of the removable stabilizer, the stabilizer comprises amale connector and the first and second areas of the sidewall eachcomprises a corresponding female connector, allowing the stabilizer tobe connected to either the first or second area. In a specificembodiment, the male connector is a T-flange and the female connector ofeach area of the sidewall is a T-channel.

A method for concealing a handgun in a pocket of a garment is alsodisclosed as an invention. The method comprises securing the handgunwithin a holster having a molded cavity defined by first and secondpanels and a sidewall, wherein the first panel comprises a raisedsurface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone,placing the holster into a pocket of a garment in an accessible positionwith a grip of the handgun proximate a pocket opening, wherein theraised surface imparts a bulge in the garment to resemble a cell phone,and stabilizing the holster within the pocket to maintain the handgun inthe accessible position.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readilyfrom the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, whenconsidered in connection with the following description, the subjectmatter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and manyof its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of aconcealable handgun holster;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of aconcealable handgun holster;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the holster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is front perspective view of a third embodiment of a concealablehandgun holster;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the holster of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a concealable handgunholster;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the holster of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the holster of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustrating acceptable aspect ratios of theraised surface for the disclosed concealable handgun holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specificembodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-12, there is illustrated a concealable handgunholster, generally designated by the numeral 10. The particularillustrated holster 10 is for a small handgun (H), particularly a smallpistol, but larger handguns may also be concealed and masked byembodiments of the present device. In fact, while all the embodimentsillustrated are directed to a small pistol, it should be understood thatthe principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to otherweapons, as well as other types of handguns such as revolvers, as longas such weapons are lawful for concealed carry. However, the handgun (H)is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the invention asset forth in the claims.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-9, the holster 10 is comprised of a moldedcavity 12 into which a specific handgun (H) is secured. The cavity 12 isdefined by two panels 14 joined together along sidewalls 16 and closedat one end by bottom 18. The cavity 12 is preferably custom-sized for aparticular handgun to provide an optimal fit. However, it can beconstructed to a general size to permit a more extensive range ofpossible handguns.

The panels 14, sidewalls 16 and bottom 18 of the cavity 12 arepreferably comprised of a molded plastic, such as a high-impact ABS. Thecomponents can be molded together in a single piece or welded togetherby known methods to form the cavity 12. As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8,the second panel 14 b is preferably shorter than the first panel 14 a toprovide an adequate opening for the insertion and retrieval of handgun(H).

The first panel 14 a includes a raised outer surface 20 which hasdimensions (H×W×D) similar, if not identical to that of a popular cellphone, e.g., an Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy. For example, an AppleiPhone 6 (manufactured and sold by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.) hasthe approximate dimensions of 5.5 inches (H)×2.75 inches (W)×0.38 inches(D) (about 14.0 cm×7.0 cm×1.0 cm). Such dimensions exhibit an aspectratio (H:W) of 2:1. Alternate dimensions for other popular cell phoneswould be suitable. However, with reference to FIG. 13, the preferredraised surface 20 should have an aspect ratio which falls within therange of 2.5:1 to 1.5:1, with a height falling within the range of 4.0inches (about 10.2 cm) to about 6.5 inches (about 16.5 cm).

The raised surface 20 is intended to be a forward and outward facingsurface when placed into the pocket of a garment (not shown). The raisedsurface 20 then creates a distinct outline in the material of thegarment which resembles a cell phone instead of a handgun or handgunholster.

As shown in the various embodiments, the raised surface 20 may beconfigured in numerous ways. The raised surface 20 may have a smallersurface area than the first panel 14 a (see FIGS. 1-3) or the raisedsurface 20 may be an extension of the entire outer surface of firstpanel 14 a (see embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 7). In the latter example,the first panel 14 a is shown to have a consistent width along itsheight in the embodiment of FIG. 3, while the panel 14 a tapers from thewidth of the cavity 12 to the width of the raised surface 20 in theembodiment of FIG. 7. Other suitable configurations for the raisedsurface 20 and first panel 14 a may also be possible without undueexperimentation by those of skill in the art. To the extent that suchconfigurations are readily discernible by those of skill in the art froma review of the present information, such configurations should beconsidered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further, as an optional feature, the holster 10 may include means forkeeping the holster properly oriented within the pocket. For thisstability, a stabilizer 22 may be attached proximate the bottom 18,preferably along the first or second sidewall 16. The stabilizer 22could be a sizeable extension from the holster 10 which keeps it fromrotating within the user's pocket. This feature ensures that the holster10 is in an optimal position (i.e., upright) for accessing a holsteredhandgun or easily holstering a drawn handgun. The stabilizer may be acurved flange (as shown), a hollow, molded extension, a weightedextension or any other reasonable variation which serves to offset themass of the handgun and stabilize the holster 10 within a user's pocket.

The stabilizer 22 can be positioned along either side of the holster 10,depending on whether it is to be for left-handed or right-handed use.The attachment of the stabilizer 22 may be permanent, in which caseindividual holsters would be designated exclusively for one of eitherleft-handed or right-handed use, or the stabilizer 22 may be removableto allow each holster 10 to be converted between left-handed andright-handed use. The latter is preferred, as it allows the holster tobe more versatile.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the holster 10 is configured with a removablestabilizer 22 in a right-handed use configuration—i.e., the holster 10is placed in a user's right side pocket and is retrieved with the user'sright hand. That is, when placed into a pocket the raised surface 20faces forward and the stabilizer 22 will be positioned along thesidewall closest to the dominant right-hand of the user. This allows theuser to extract from and return the handgun to the holster 10 using onlythe right hand. A left-handed configuration would be a mirror image ofthe holster 10 in any of FIGS. 1, 4 and 7.

Further, the left handed configuration, which is merely a mirror imageof the holster 10 illustrated, can be achieved by removing thestabilizer 22 from the first side and attaching it to the second side.As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 9, this is accomplished by using a T-flange24 on the stabilizer and a T-channel 26 on each side of the holster 10.The T-flange 24 can be slid into either channel 26 to alter the holster10 for right-handed or left-handed use. The T-flange 24 may beconfigured to friction fit, snap, or otherwise lock into place withinthe channel 26 to prevent accidental removal of the stabilizer 22.

The T-flange and channel configuration is only one of a myriad of waysin which the stabilizer may be made removable. Other such suitable meansfor removing and attaching the stabilizer 22, as known to those ofordinary skill in the art, may be used and should be considered to fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, the stabilizer 22 is shownto be permanently attached in a left-handed use configuration. Thestabilizer 22 is a closed structure which cannot be moved as illustratedin previous embodiments.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants'contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended tobe defined in the following claims when viewed in their properperspective based on the prior art.

1. A concealable handgun holster for carrying in a pocket of a garment,the holster comprising: first and second panels connected together in aspaced relationship by a sidewall to form a cavity having a volumesufficient for containment of at least a substantial portion of ahandgun therein; and a raised surface on the first panel, the raisedsurface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone.2. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, further comprising astabilizer connected to an exterior of the compartment to stabilize theholster within a garment pocket.
 3. The concealable handgun holster ofclaim 1, wherein the cavity volume is less than the size of a handgunfor which it is designed to contain.
 4. The concealable handgun holsterof claim 2, wherein the stabilizer is connected proximate a first areaof the sidewall of the cavity for right-handed use.
 5. The concealablehandgun holster of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer is connectedproximate a second area of the sidewall of the cavity for left-handeduse.
 6. The concealable handgun holster of claim 2, wherein thestabilizer is detachably connectable proximate one of a first area ofthe sidewall and a second area of the sidewall.
 7. The concealablehandgun holster of claim 1, wherein the second panel has a height lessthan a height of the first panel.
 8. The concealable handgun holster ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second panels and the sidewall aremolded.
 9. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein theraised surface has an area less than an area of an outer surface of thefirst panel.
 10. The concealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein theraised surface comprises an area substantially equal to an area of anouter surface of the first panel.
 11. The concealable handgun holster ofclaim 6, wherein the stabilizer comprises a male connector and the firstand second areas of the sidewall each comprise a corresponding femaleconnector, allowing the stabilizer to be connected to either the firstor second area of the sidewall.
 12. The concealable handgun holster ofclaim 11, wherein the male connector is a T-flange and the femaleconnector of each area of the sidewall is a T-channel.
 13. Theconcealable handgun holster of claim 1, wherein the raised surface hasan aspect ratio in the range of from 2.5:1 to 1.5:1.
 14. The concealablehandgun holster of claim 13, wherein the raised surface has a height inthe range of from 4 inches to 6.5 inches.
 15. A method for concealing ahandgun in a pocket of a garment, the method comprising: securing thehandgun within a holster having a molded cavity defined by first andsecond panels and a sidewall, wherein the first panel comprises a raisedsurface having a width and length configured to resemble a cell phone;and placing the holster into a pocket of a garment in an accessibleposition with a grip of the handgun proximate a pocket opening, whereinthe raised surface imparts a bulge in the garment to resemble a cellphone.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step ofstabilizing the holster within the pocket to maintain the handgun in theaccessible position.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising thestep of configuring the holster for one of either left-handed orright-handed use.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step ofconfiguring the holster comprises the step of attaching the stabilizeron one side or the other of the cavity.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein the holster comprises a detachable stabilizer connectable to abase of the cavity.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the detachablestabilizer comprises one of either a male connector or a femaleconnector and the base of the cavity comprise at least two of thealternately corresponding male connector or female connector, allowingthe stabilizer to be optionally connected to at least two differentpositions on the base.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprisingthe step of locking the handgun into the cavity.